Is Houston or Merced Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Merced is safer than Houston (Safety Score 12/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 34% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Merced has a 47% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 24.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Merced — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Merced, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 3,577.3 | +1,864.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 784.8 | +363.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 7.3 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 103.0 | -30.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 166.5 | +107.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 507.9 | +279.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,792.6 | +1,500.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 569.3 | +75.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,738.2 | +1,207.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 485.0 | +218.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Merced safer?
Merced is safer with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Merced has 784.8. Merced has lower violent crime.
About Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Merced, CA
Merced, a Central Valley city known for its proximity to Yosemite, serves as a significant agricultural hub. This community, home to a University of California campus, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 96,077, Merced has a total crime rate of 3,577.3 per 100,000 residents.